Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi was rushed to hospital for emergency abdominal surgery following an injury sustained during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground.
The Nigerian international suffered the injury after colliding with the goalpost while attempting to convert a cross from teammate Anthony Elanga. Despite receiving on-pitch treatment and initially trying to continue, the severity of the injury was only fully diagnosed by the club’s medical team on Monday, prompting immediate surgery. The procedure is not believed to be life-threatening.
In an official statement shared via its X (formerly Twitter) account, the club confirmed:
“Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”
The incident sparked a dramatic scene post-match as Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis stormed onto the pitch, confronting manager Nuno Espírito Santo over the decision to keep Awoniyi on the field, despite medical consultations during stoppage time.
The draw was a setback for Forest’s push for a Champions League spot. Currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table, they remain one point outside the top five with only two fixtures left—against West Ham and fellow top-five contenders Chelsea. However, the club has secured at least a UEFA Conference League berth, marking their return to European football for the first time since the 1995–96 season.
